2026 Plenary Speaker: Shawn Barrera-Leaf

Shawn Barrera-Leaf is Executive Director of United Voices 4 Sex Offense Reform (UV4SOR). 

In 2017, her life changed overnight when her son was convicted of a sex offense. What began as a mother searching for answers quickly evolved into a deeper understanding of the far-reaching impact of America’s criminal legal system. As she navigated the collateral consequences facing her family, Shawn witnessed firsthand how policies intended to promote safety can also create instability, isolation, and lifelong barriers that extend far beyond a single conviction.

Determined to transform pain into purpose, Shawn stepped into advocacy—first in support spaces, then in legislative offices, and ultimately on national platforms. Alongside other impacted families and advocates, she helped build and now leads UV4SOR, a nationally recognized collaborative platform focused on elevating impacted voices and advancing thoughtful, evidence-based policy modernization. Her work bridges families, survivor-centered stakeholders, lawmakers, and advocacy partners in pursuit of solutions grounded in research, accountability, and community safety.

In addition to her leadership with UV4SOR, Shawn serves as a Board Member of CURE-SORT, sits on the Steering Committee of the National Coalition Against Conviction Registries (NCACR), and is a PARSOL Advisory Board Member. She is also an active stakeholder in Michigan’s Grand Traverse County Quick Response Team (QRT) Task Force, reflecting her commitment to local engagement alongside national strategy.

Shawn brings to the stage both lived experience and policy insight, grounded in the belief that meaningful public safety is strengthened through collaboration, education, and informed action. Often describing herself as “an unlikely advocate,” she challenges audiences to consider how personal experience can become purposeful leadership—and how collective courage can move advocacy from conversation to measurable change.